Final Thoughts From Bears Summer Mini-Camp 6/14/12

As the Bears wrap up their first veteran mini-camp under new general
manager Phil Emery, it's clear that there's a new presence within the
franchise. New faces, whether they were brought in through the draft or
free agency, dominated the week's storylines.

- Draft picks need time: Bears fans won't be happy to hear it, but
none of the recent draft picks stood out this week. Now keep in mind,
the team drafted these guys less than two months ago, and there is still
plenty of time for seasoning and growth before they start playing
games. But Shea McClellin was lined up at second-unit right defensive
end, even though the team claimed that he would immediately help their
pass rush. If McClellin starts the season behind Chauncey Davis on the
depth chart, fans are entitled to be frustrated.

Alshon Jeffery didn't play this week due to a "lower leg injury,"
but even when he does get healthy, the Bears now have a surplus of
bodies at wide receiver. Jeffery definitely has the measurables to
compete right away, but nobody will know until we see him on the field.

No other draft picks played with the first-unit teams, and I don't
expect any of them to any time soon. The Bears defense is deep and
veteran laden. If fans are looking for an impact rookie, I think it will
have to come from McClellin or Jeffery.

I know Bears fans might roll their eyes, but everyone around that
camp believes in Devin Hester as a receiver. New offensive coordinator
Mike Tice seems hellbent on getting Hester touches in the slot, and
Devin delivered numerous plays today from that position. If fans need to
see to believe it, fine. But the addition of legitimate outside threats
in Marshall and Jeffery makes Devin Hester a much better weapon on
offense.

- Fine without Forte: Of course, the Bears want and need to get Matt
Forte onto the field. And I think they will sooner than later. But Matt
Bush seemed comfortable taking most of the reps with the first-team
offense. Kahlil Bell got a few first-team reps as well, and even as a
No. 2 back, Bell has proven he's a good option. Getting Forte into camp
and in top shape should be the Bears top priority, but the cupboard
isn't bare (no pun intended) without him.